HEART OF THE MATTER
New Brighton boss De Zerbi carries Ukraine memories
NEW Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi admits it was painful to say goodbye to his Shakhtar Donetsk players when Ukraine was invaded – but still carries them with him in his heart.
De Zerbi (inset) refused to leave his players behind when war broke out in February, only returning to Italy when he was certain they were all safe.
Now he arrives in England determined to forge a new path at Brighton, but without forgetting how he got there.
“They were very bad days because of the situation,” he said.
“There was a whole population which was suffering and they showed they are very proud to be Ukrainian. The experience taught a lot to me and to my coaching staff.
“When you come from a different country to work you bring something from your own place of course. But when we left we took a lot from Ukraine.”
Memories of his time at Shakhtar will now drive De Zerbi on at the Amex, as he begins a new story with the Seagulls.
Brighton fans are getting a talented coach who twice took unfancied Italian club Sassuolo to eighth place in Serie A.
And he is getting advice from the Premier League’s finest via Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City assistant Enzo Maresca.
De Zerbi rang his idol Guardiola on Sunday, the day he was announced as Graham Potter’s replacement, and is already taking his messages on board.
He said: “Pep and I first met each other when he was training Bayern Munich. Then a couple of months ago I flew to Manchester to meet him.
“In my mind, Guardiola trained the strongest team of the last 40 years – Barcelona. So, I listen to him.
“When I rang him on Sunday he was very happy I’m here and told me good things about the club. He also said if I needed advice he’d be happy to help – but not when we play them.”
The Italian coach also has another insider at the Etihad as Maresca has been a friend since childhood and was also happy to provide a lowdown on Brighton and the Premier League.
De Zerbi said: “We have known each other for 30 years. We played together when were 12 years old. So, I know he is telling me the truth!”
It won’t be an easy baptism in England, however. De Zerbi’s first match in charge is at Liverpool a week Saturday and he also has to face Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea next month
“Of course, when you see the first two games are Liverpool and Tottenham, it’s not easy,” he added.
“But I believe a lot in my team. Brighton chose me, but also I decided to choose Brighton and it’s because the club is very serious and I like my players a lot.”